There will be an election in Uplyme on 3rd May but unfortunately only for the single seat of the Trinity Ward on East Devon District Council. There are two candidates. The sitting representative Ken George, now an Independent candidate, is to be challenged by Bob Collier, a Conservative candidate of Colyton.

No new nominations came forward for Uplyme Parish. In fact we will be down to eight parish councillors as two of the current members will not be standing again. They are as expected Rob Crabbe and unfortunately the short serving Mike Cawte, who perhaps was a one issue councillor – the Crogg Lane affordable homes development.

We can therefore look forward to two members being co-opted during the summer. No doubt there will not be too much difficulty in finding two prospective candidates, which will raise the question as to why these same people could not put their names forward for the election. The sooner after the election that the co-option takes place the more valid will be your suspicions._________________It's later than you think

Rhodie was right. Very soon after the election in fact just six days after when the election would have taken place we see two co-opted members taking their seats. Where were they at the nomination stage?
Suspicious in the extreme.

The parish council website shows that the two co-opted members are Christopher Sellers and Andrew Turner. I think that with the co-option of these two the council can be praised for acting fast and choosing well. Both Chris and Andy have shown their determination to work for the parish. In this instant slymie’s extreme suspicion is uncalled for.

Chris was a parish councillor until about a year ago and made us aware of the dangers facing even a remote part of England such as ours from natural disasters and the spin off from terrorism. I understand that one of his priorities is for a more open and sharing attitude with Lyme. I for one welcome this. His job in convincing his fellow councillors of the benefits of this should produce some interesting discussions.

Andy of course was our own special constable until he was promoted to I believe sergeant at Honiton. This took him away from us but it’s an ill wind for his promotion has given him regular hours that will enable him to attend parish council meetings and other matters. Those who have seen him informing a parish council meeting of his policing activities particularly those concerned with speeding through the village will be hopeful that he will treat this as a special concern.

All the same co-opting could result in a council based on an old boy network and cronyism. Somewhat reminiscent of how the masons recruit new members. It would be great to have an election occasionally if only for the parish to show their appreciation for their councillors who as Geoff hints at do a great job which most people keep well clear of, hence the need for co-options.

Incidentally as 80% of the parish council seats were contested at the election, even though there was no vote, and these candidates are now councillors the council is still eligible to apply for Quality Status. Perhaps we will see an application go ahead before the next election. But time is of the essence for lose one of the original eight councillors and you can kiss goodbye to even applying for Quality Status until after the next election.